Portable Gaming Device Takes Precedence Over Nintendo Switch and ROG Ally: A Compact Tablet and Mobile Controller Emerge as My Top Choice in Handheld Gaming Lately
In the ever-evolving world of gaming, Android-powered handhelds have made significant strides in 2025, boasting more powerful hardware, refined controls, and improved software ecosystems.
One of the standout devices of the year is the Retroid Pocket 5, a budget-friendly option that offers a high-resolution AMOLED screen, excellent controls, and premium build quality. Capable of running any Android game and emulators up to PlayStation 2 and GameCube quality, it also supports WiFi, Bluetooth, video output, hall effect sticks, gyroscope, and analog triggers. All of this comes in a compact and lightweight design that is more affordable compared to competitors like the AYN Odin 2 or Valve Steam Deck OLED.
The AYN Odin 2, released in late 2023, remains a top choice for Android gaming enthusiasts. It competes closely with devices like the Red Magic Nova, which uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset but lacks optimal driver support for emulation. The Odin 2 excels at native Android gaming and emulation, making it a top choice for those seeking high-end performance.
Established gaming hardware brands like Razer and Logitech are increasingly releasing Android-based handhelds, indicating growing support and innovation in this segment. This trend points to expanding choices for consumers looking for powerful Android gaming handhelds that blend portability with high-end performance.
Budget-friendly devices like the RG35XX Plus have seen meaningful upgrades, such as moving from older ARM Cortex-A9 CPUs and 256MB RAM to quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processors and 1GB of RAM. These upgrades enable better emulation performance, including playable PSP titles at a very affordable price point. However, software experiences on such devices can be basic and sometimes cumbersome to update.
The 2025 market features a mix of Android-powered handhelds and other portable PC-style gaming devices like the Steam Deck OLED and ASUS ROG Ally. Android handhelds carve out a niche particularly for retro gaming and mobile-optimised games, aided by features like dual-boot options, enhanced controller designs, and expansive app ecosystems.
In the realm of tablet gaming, the Lenovo Legion Tab, designed with gaming in mind, has received praise for its design and performance. Combined with the Razer Kishi V3 Pro, a mobile controller offering cutting-edge anti-drift TMR thumbsticks, high-quality haptic feedback, Razer PC Remote Play, and the ability to map physical controls to touch controls for games without native controller support, it offers a ridiculous amount of versatility and is quickly becoming a favourite way to play.
Games such as Minecraft, Zenless Zone Zero, Call of Duty: Mobile, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic can be enjoyed on the Legion Tab with the Razer Kishi V3 Pro.
As we look to the future, users can expect a variety of options that suit different gaming styles and budgets, reflecting a vibrant and growing Android handheld gaming landscape.
- The growth in Android gaming is evident in the update of budget-friendly devices like the RG35XX Plus, now equipped with quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processors and 1GB of RAM for improved emulation performance.
- The Retroid Pocket 5, a standout device of 2025, offers a premium build quality with features such as WiFi, Bluetooth, video output, hall effect sticks, gyroscope, and analog triggers, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking a compact, affordable solution.
- Established gaming brands like Razer and Logitech are joining the Android handheld market, such as Razer's latest offering, the Lenovo Legion Tab, designed for gaming on the go.
- The ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck OLED, as part of the 2025 market, represent the PC-style gaming devices that compete with Android handhelds, offering a unique blend of portability and high-end performance.
- In the realm of tablet gaming, the Lenovo Legion Tab, combined with the Razer Kishi V3 Pro, offers an impressive gaming experience for a wide variety of games, including Minecraft, Zenless Zone Zero, Call of Duty: Mobile, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
- As technology continues to advance, we can anticipate an array of gaming options catering to diverse gaming lifestyles and budgets, signifying a thriving and expanding Android handheld gaming landscape.
